ALBUM: Hands Like Houses – Dissonants

Australians Hands Like Houses have had a tumultuous time of late since the departure of keyboardist, Jamal Sabet. Their third full-length release, ‘Dissonants’, was due for release back in October, but had to be delayed. Even success stories were tinged with sadness as their support slot on The Big Ass Tour with A Day To Remember, Motionless In White, and The Amity Affliction came as a result of The Ghost Inside‘s tragic road accident. Turning things around now, the quintet have released their eagerly anticipated third outing to their fans delight, and are back on an upwards trajectory.

Opening the record and immediately introducing the band’s noticeably heavier sound is lead single ‘I Am’ complete with some screams from frontman Trenton Woodley, which isn’t just a one-off feature as later tracks such as ‘Perspectives’ and ‘Grey Havens’ confirm. The band have also managed to improve their ability to write infectious choruses, equipped onto colossal numbers ‘Colourblind’ and ‘Stillwater’.

The highlights of ‘Dissonants’ come when the band take a darker, heavier route, and yet still are lyrically impressive such as the atmospheric number ‘Glasshouse’ or the more direct ‘Division Symbols’. Later number ‘Motion Sickness’ feels like the build up to a battle and ensues chaos, making it the perfect track for a record taking such a rougher approach than previous releases.

Curtain closer ‘Bloodlines’ ends the record on a backhanded positive note of control in spite of negative circumstances. An appropriate ending for a release taking this band on a successful, darker, and heavier turn, pushing Hands Like Houses out of their comfort zones with spectacular results. It’s safe to say that, even though many are disappointed by the delayed release date, ‘Dissonants’ is well worth the wait